Global role for atmospheric scientist

An Australian scientist has been elected Vice-President of the international body that guides research into the nature of our planet.

Dr Tom Beer, a senior research scientist with CSIRO Atmospheric Research, and an expert in environmental risk, will help steer the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), a union of seven associations in the fields of meteorology, oceanography, volcanology, seismology, hydrology, geomagnetism and geodesy.

The IUGG fosters collaborative research and information exchange between more than 5000 earth scientists in 65 countries. It also encourages the application of this research to societal needs, such as mineral resources, mitigation of natural hazards and environmental preservation.

President of the IUGG, Professor Uri Shamir from the Israeli Institute of Technology, welcomed the announcement of Dr Beer's four-year term. "Dr Beer has been associated with the IUGG for many years, having founded the IUGG Commission on Geophysical Risk and Sustainability and as a member of the IUGG Executive Bureau for the last four years. I will value his help in establishing research collaborations between countries to the benefit of our understanding of Earth systems."

Dr Beer coordinates the CSIRO Environmental Risk Network. As part of a team he won the CSIRO Chairman's medal for his work examining greenhouse gas emissions from low emission vehicles. He is the author of nine books, one which has been translated into Chinese, and has published more than 120 articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr Greg Ayers, Chief of CSIRO Atmospheric Research, congratulated Dr Beer on his appointment. "As well as his scientific expertise, Tom's extensive experience in developing countries, including a review of oceanographic programs in ASEAN countries and an examination of Thailand's greenhouse strategy, will provide the background needed to help the IUGG coordinate information exchange between scientists around the world."

Australian scientist, Dr Charles Barton from Geosciences Australia, was also elected President of the 1200-member International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy, one of the IUGG's seven associations.

Item provided courtesy of The CSIRO